The relationship between exophthalmometric values, palpebral dimensions, and height, body weight/mass index: The Ido eye study

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Background: Age and sex are some of the documented factors that have impact on the exophthalmometric/palpebral values. However, little is known in our population on this relationship. Therefore, this study was conducted to find out the effect of age and sex on exophthalmometric and palpebral values in our local population. Aims: To investigate the relationship between exophthalmometric values, palpebral fissure dimensions, and height, body weight/body mass index (BMI) in an African population. Settings and Design: A descriptive cross -sectional survey wherein participants were recruited using multi -stage random sampling technique in a population -based setting. Materials and Methods: Exophthalmometric values (EVs) and palpebral fissure dimensions (PD) were measured in 1020 eligible adults with their consent, using Hertel's exophthalmometer and non -stretchable plain plastic ruler, respectively. Weight and height of the subjects were measured using stadiometer and weighing scale, respectively, and the BMI was calculated. Summary statistical analysis was performed for EV and PD, and their relationship with height and body weight/BMI was tested with Pearson's correlation analysis. Variables significant on bivariate analysis were entered into a multiple linear regression model. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Correlation between exophthalmometric measurements, PD, and height, body weight/BMI was tested using Pearson's correlation analysis. Variables significant on bivariate analysis were entered into a multiple linear regression model where regression coefficients and their 95% confidence intervals were computed. Level of significance for all tests was at 5%. Results: The studied population comprised 1020 subjects including 515 females and 505 males. Exophthalmometric value had statistically significant positive associations with body weight/BMI ( r = 0.113, P r = 0.094, P = 0.003, respectively). For every 1 kg increase in weight, there was accompanying 0.639 mm (95% CI = 0.330 -0.945) increase in EV, while there was 0.05 mm increase in EV for every 1 kg/m 2 increase in BMI. Conclusion: Weight is an independent predictor of exophthalmometric value, palpebral fissure width, medial canthal distance, and lateral inter -canthal distance.